Bryan Eckermann/The 7th Sin/2020 CD Review

  Bryan  Eckerman  is  a  solo  artist  from  San  Antonio,  Texas  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  album  "The  7th  Sin"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  emtal  screams  while  synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.

  Melodies  are  also  added  in  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow.  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  clean  playing  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  songs. Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  classical  guitars  and  clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  and  the  recording  closes  with  some  Mercyful  Fate,  Illnath,  Pain  and  Judas  Priest  covers.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Horror  and  Mystery  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Bryan  Eckerman  is  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Succubus"  "Graveyard  Hymn"  "Sold  my  Soul"  and  "Night  Comes  Down".  8  out  of  10.

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N + [BOLT]/Play 15 Amps/Midira Records/2020 Full Length Review

  Germany's  N+  and  [BOLT]  team  up  once  again to  create  a  recording  that  mixes  experimental,  ambient,  improv,  black,  sludge,  doom  metal  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  collaboration  album  "Play  15  Amps"  which  was  released  by  Midira  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  bring  elements  of  ambient  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  the  background  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  music  also  starts  getting  more  diverse  sounding  while  guitar  orientated  drones  are  also  utilized  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals  along  with  the  guitar  sounds  also  mixing  in  elements  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  into  the  heavier  sections  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  repetitive  moments,  stringed  instruments  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  and  the  re-mix  track  also  shows  more  of  an  avant  garde  side. 

  On  this  recording  N+  and  [BOLT]  team  up  and  create  a  recording  that  mostly  focuses  on  the  experimental,  ambient  and  drone  side  of  the  spectrum  as  well  as  having  some  touches  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  N+  and  [BOLT]  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  ambient,  improv,  black,  sludge,  doom  metal  and  drone.  you  should  check  out  this  collaboration.   

https://wearebolt.bandcamp.com/album/play-15-amps

Varus Interview

Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Hi there! We’ve been working quite a lot in the background to create material and content for the upcoming release. So that might be some making of video clips, promotion material and even some new music! However, rehearsals are sadly not possible.

2. You have a new album coming out during the end of June, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

It might be very different, especially when it comes to the vocals. They’re lower, not as high pitched and more in-your-face. Apart from that, the guitar tuning is now Dropped D, whereas it’s been Dropped B on the first album. We strived for a more folky, epic sound and even introduced acoustic instruments which haven’t been there on Till The Sun Rises. The song length has also increased but it’s fewer songs therefore.

3. This is also your first release since 2014, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Our line up has changed a few times, most noticeable on lead vocals and drums. Also, we strived for getting a unique band image that should be indistinguishable, almost a Corporate Identity if you like. I’d say we’re now stronger than ever and it just feels like a strong bond between us.
On top, we’ve had some amazing concert opportunities over the years and worked hard on our live performances.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the newer album?

Our biggest theme is liberty. That’s the main topic but every song stands on its own. So we explore some drinking stories of our hometown, mourn the passing of a close friend, experience the apocalypse itself and remember how our surroundings have changed over time.

5. Originally the band was called 'Banjaxed' what was the cause of the name change?

When starting out, we played half cover, half original songs. The name Banjaxed was heavily related to that and restricted us to an all party band. As we were growing up, we strived to bring only our own material to the people. Varus was more universal and there is actually not one single metal group with that name. From that point we didn’t do covers anymore. So it wasn’t only a name change but also an image change.

8. I know that the bands name is a reference to 'Publius Quinctillus Varus', can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this historical character?

I’ve been interested in history generally and somehow I stumbled across the Battle In The Teutoburg Forest. It hooked me from the first moment on until today. One reason for Varus was that the Germanic opponent Arminius just didn’t sound good as a band name. Image people trying to remember the name or yelling it at a concert. On the other hand, the character Varus as well as his story are just more tragic and not as heroic. This makes him a very interesting subject. Be sure that there willl be music about him at some point.

9. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

A highlight for us has been the performance at Wolfszeit Open Air 2019. We’ve shared stage with huge established bands that could be named idols of us. Unfortunately, it was at short notice and we couldn’t rehearse that much, so some songs could have been a bit tighter. Feedback has been great though.
Our on stage performances have become very energetic and wild. There’s now a lot of movement on stage and it seems to have a good impact on people.

10. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

No, there’s no plans like that at the moment. We’re not actively searching for a label but if the right one comes around the corner – why not? However, we’d like to keep full control over music and image.

11. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic, melodic, folk and extreme metal?

It has been good so far! Actually, the more epic and folky aspects are well received and seem to be the favourite themes of our fans. There’s even die hard fans in South America and a following in France. People tend to fall in love with the large choir and orchestra arrangements.

12. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I guess, we’ll be exploring the folk instruments a bit more but also looking for a more atmospheric approach. Moreover, there’s plans to not overdo it with lengthy songs. I’m already writing new songs and try to keep a strong songwriting, yet not to get lost in too many different parts.

13. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

You can certainly hear some non-metal influences on the latest material, like Irish Folk or even Jethro Tull. Also, the metal side is inspired by other bands like those in the past. There’s fewer Alestorm-ish themes but rather hints of Ensiferum or Turisas.
At the moment, I’m listening to some Månegarm, Svartsot and again Jethro Tull.

14. Does Paganism play any role in the music?

Not really, to be honest. I know we get labelled as Pagan metal a lot of times and we’re fine with that. Musically, there might be Pagan metal in our style but lyrically, there’s not one single Pagan song in our repertoire. Nature romanticism is part of our music/lyrics but not worshiping the old gods.


15. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I want to thank you guys for these well researched questions and your support!
We’re glad to get a lot of positive feedback on our music and are grateful for it. That’s what fuels our inspiration and motivation. So we’re really looking forward to the release of our second album, even during the ongoing crisis. This is what unites us – music.
Thank you all for reading! Stay safe and healthy!

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Lucynine Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
 Hi! Sure. I've always been a hungry listener of any genre and also as a musician and composer I've never been able to follow a single line, even if I've always been attracted by what's obscure and violent. So, after playing in many bands, I decided to put on a solo project as a multi-instrumentalist and composer that would have allowed me to work in total self-sufficiency (I'm always on the move, so it's hard for me to keep on a proper band). There comes Lucynine.

2.You have your first full length coming out towards the end of July, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
 I'd say it's more sincere. It's not angry and dark because the genre wants to, but because this record tells true stories, with the right mood.

3.From 2013 to 2020 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
 Well, no music has been released under the monicker Lucynine, but I worked on various projects with my own name. Most of all I worked on two short movies: “Block E, 4th Floor” (script, direction, music, everything apart the acting voice) and “Engine of Time” (only audio and soundtrack).

4.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting?
 “Amor Venenat” means “Love Envenoms” in Latin. I started working on this record after I lost my husband for a cancer in 2018. We've been together for 11 years and I fell into depression and felt the need of throwing a lot of shit out of me. This album was very therapeutic in that sense... I never had an easy relationship with love sphere: born homosexual in a strict Catholic family, affairs with men much older than me, not always easy to manage, then the loss of the one I had chosen to share my life with... So I really needed to shout out a lof of regret and pain. And the concept the album is built around is a sort of portrait of me. Well, a kind of portrait of me in that very moment.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Lucynine'?
 The first half of the monicker Lucynine comes both from Lucifer both from the famous song by The Beatles “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” since a psychedelic component has always been relevant in my music. Number nine is both a magical number by itself, both a “six” upside down, to remind to the Number of the Beast. It's rock'n'roll, isn't it?

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
 It's meant to include more concepts in the same picture: pain (the rope), sex/love (the man naked), but also the caducity of old age, religion (the red light reminds of vestments of a catholic cardinal). All these concepts are related to each other in the album.

7.You work mostly as a solo artist, would you be open to expanding into a full line up on future releases?
 I don't think so. I could think of a band for a live situation or many featured artists on next releases, but not a band.

8.You also have a few quests on the new album, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and also their contributions to the recording?
 Sure! They all are famous actors and dubbers here in Italy (Dario Penne, for example is the Italian voice of Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, Tommy Lee Jones, Christopher Lloyd and many others). You see, I'm very bound to theatre, I work as a stage photographer, I collaborate with actors in many ways and most of my friends are actors too, so, since I wrote things that were meant to be spoken and not sung, I thought the best actors I knew would have been the best choice for those verses to be played.
I know that contributions could be a limitation for not Italian speaking people, but I hope their curiosity will win on this and push them to search for the meaning or... just listening to the whole album enjoying it.

9.Earlier this year you also released an ep tribute to 'Titor', what was the decision behind the tribute?
 It all started as a quarantine joke and ended in a serious double single. Titor have been both dear friends of mine, both one of my favourite hardcore punk bands ever. So it came out quite naturally.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of experimental, avant garde and extreme metal?
 I still have to understand it, because my 2013 EP didn't have much promotion, so “Amor Venenat” is the first time I have a serious promoting agency, a serious label, etc. Let's see what happens. I really can say I did all the best I could do.

11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future/
 I'm really insecure so I never expect too much and try to enjoy everything good happens to me. So I can't make predictions. What I really really dream is to be called for a movie soundtrack.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays/
 I listen to many different genres, from classical music to jazz, from trip hop to crust punk, so it could turn into a very long reply ahahah! What I can say is that The Beatles changed my life when I was a child, Iron Maiden changed it again when I was 11, Devin Townsend when I was 16, Meshuggah when I was 18, Portishead when I was 20, and so on. In my shelves you can find from Rachmaninoff to Dark Funeral, from David Bowie to Gorillaz. These days I'm really into Bandcamp and looking for unknown good bands that do amazing things with nearly no budget. Maybe today you can discover better things from little labels or DIY scenery than among big majors. Well, maybe not only today!

13.What are some of your non musical interests?
 Literature, art, cinema, all that involves expression. I myself am a photographer and videomaker, so my different jobs in music and creativity really overlap with my interests. And it's a huge privilege today.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for the time you spent with me and for your interest in what I do. I wish people will enjoy my music and find out what's behind it and maybe... pieces of real life that deserve thoughts and meditation.

www.lucynine.com
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https://lucynine.bandcamp.com

The Lightbringer/From The Void To The Existence/2020 CD Review

  The  Lightbringer  are  a  band  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  plays  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  death  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  self  released  2020  album  "From  The  Void  To  The  Existence"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Tragic  sounding  pianos  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  while  also  using  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding keys  and  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  Operatic  female  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in  some  elements  of  goth  metal.

  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  short  in  length  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Kitaro's  "Caravansary".  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Lightbringer  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  death  and  gothic  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Void"  "The  Awakening"  "The  Seal  Of  Annihilation"  and  "To  Existence".  8  out  of  10.

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Lucynine/Amor Venenat/Inverse Records/2020 CD Review

 Lucynine  is  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post  black,  sludge,  doom  metal, punk,  crust,  hardcore,  darkwave  and  experimental  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Amor  Venenat"  which  will  be released  in  July by  Inverse  Records.

   Music  and  spoken  word  samples start off  the  album  before  going  into  a   very  fast  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.Vocals  are  mostly grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.

   All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  some  tracks  also  bring  in  clean  singing  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  elements  of  post  rock  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  noisy  style  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  experimental  moments  and  some  tracks  show  an  influence  of  darkwave.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  post  punk,  crust  and  hardcore  and  all  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other,  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  psychedelic  and  blues  rock  elements  can  also  be heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  darkest  and  most  negative  sides  of  love.

  In  my  opinion  Lucynine  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  post  black,  sludge,  doom  metal,punk,  crust,  hardcore,  darkwave  and  experimental,  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "-Nine  Eleven"  "Things  I'll  Never  Know"  "White  Roses"  and  "Everyone  O  Lovedis  Dead". 8out  of  10.

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Okkultokrati/La Ilden Lyse/Southern Lord Recordings/2020 CD Review

  Norway's  Okkultokrati  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  into  more  of  a  mixture  of  black'n'roll,  sludge  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "La  Ilden  Lyse" which  was  released  by  Southern  Lord  Recordings.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Elements  of  black'n'roll  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  At  times  the  music  also  captures  the  raw  energy  of  hardcore  punk  while  the  keyboards  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  psychedelic  and  ritualistic  feeling  when  they  are  utilized.  The  guitar  riffing  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.,  melodic  guitar  leads  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Okkultokrati  takes  black'n'roll,  sludge  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Thelema,  Occultism,  Moon  Worship  and  Transcending  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Okkultokrati  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black'n'roll,  sludge  metal  and  hardcore  punk, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Thelemic  Threat"  "Grimoire  Luciferian  Dream"  "Kiss  Of  Death"  and  "The  Dying  Grass  Moon".  8  out  of  10.

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